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This is about news photography in years past. The term photojournalism had not been thought of until the 1960’s. “Press” and commercial photographers, including the military used 4×5 Speed Graphic cameras with cut film holders, and flash bulbs.

I’m Bernie Yee, one of original cadre of Hackman’s PJ’s from the 60’s. My story starts in the 1940’s as a commercial art high school student who used a camera instead of a brush.

Enlisted in 1952, bypassed training and went to my first photo lab after basic. Wanted to be a news photographer but was that possible in the Air Force? Back then you were a photographer and photo lab technician.

The nearest to news work were jobs for public information, and I volunteered for them. Most were only handshake award photos or important visitors. But in high school we learned that “grip & grin” photos were often news, and tried to make them look good. Before long the PIO asked for me regularly, and I eventually got to shoot stories.

The 4×5 was “The News Camera” from the 1930’s until the 60’s, and film speed was very slow. Basically it was a small studio view camera made portable with a hand strap. You tried to make every shot a keeper because it took so much effort to shoot them.

You carried a separate light meter, and it was physically big like all photo equipment you carried then. Miniaturization had not been invented yet. After years of making pictures at the same film speed you learned to guess exposures fairly well, a time saver.

The 4×5 Speed Graphic had two shutters, a focal plane shutter in the back, and a rotary leaf shutter in the front. The leaf shutter had synchronization for flash bulbs, and was used most of the time. The rear shutter was for high speed pictures, and you had to make sure the rear focal plane shutter was set open when using the front. Otherwise you would end up with blank exposures.

Cut film holders were like a thin 4×5″ box, with a sheet of film inserted on both sides. The film was protected with removable dark slides. The back of the camera had a spring loaded gate which allowed a film holder to be slid on to the back of the camera and held in place.

After inserting a film holder and removing the dark slide, you would set the front shutter speed and f/stop, cock the shutter release spring, and put a flash bulb in the flash gun if needed. You would do those things quickly, while talking to your subject(s) to keep their interest on you. School taught us to think of ourselves as circus ring masters – to take charge and make the acts dance!

Making the “key shot” was just as important then as it is today – the image that tells everything in single photograph. I was taught to find the key shot first, but not to let other points in the story slip past.

Think you have a lot to carry? The 4×5 came in a hard case the size of a large tool box with a handle. With the camera folded closed, a flashgun with 2 reflectors, light meter, filters and other accessories went in it. There was room for six film holders and bulbs which were never enough. You carried more cut film holders, flash bulbs, and other things in a large leather shoulder gadget bag.

You could stand on the case to shoot pictures over people in crowd shots, or obstacles. The case had a primitive folding wood tripod that meant not having to carry a big heavy real one. And we used a cable release for slow shutter speeds.

On extended assignments like an aircraft crash out somewhere, or an autopsy before medical photographers, I took boxes of fresh film (25 sheets per box), a couple of empty film boxes, and a changing bag. The changing bag was a rubberized black cloth bag about 2 foot square and light proof. It had a zipper along the back side, and two elastic sleeves on the front for your hands.

Open the zipper, put some film holders, box of film and an empty box in the bag and zipper it shut. Stick your hands into the sleeves and you were in the darkroom.

Unload the film holders, put the exposed film in the empty box, and load the holders with new film. I always brought heavy rubber bands to keep the boxes closed. How did you know which side of the film is up? Cut film right side up has notches along the top right side of the film.

The problem with cut film was all of the holders you had to carry. Cut film, technically called sheet film was made of a light sensitive coating put on an acetate sheet. Sheet film is thick and not designed to be bent.

Then someone invented the film pack which held 12 sheets of film in one holder! The main ingredient was thin roll film stock. The thin sheets of film were attached to black paper strips about the same size as the film. The dozen sheets of film were stacked one on top of another, and the paper strips were all folded over the top sheet of film. The film was protected in the soft metal throw away holder, only the ends of the paper strips protruded out of one end of the holder. One side of the film pack had an open widow, which was covered with one of the black paper strips.

The film pack was placed into a metal clam shell device called a film pack adapter. It was about the size of a cut film holder but thicker. The adapter had a protective dark slide. The adapter went into the back of the camera, the dark slide removed, and the first paper tab pulled to bring the first sheet of film around to the open side of the film pack adapter. Each successive exposure meant pulling a paper tab. The tabs were numbered.

If you wanted to remove the film pack adapter before exposing every sheet of film, insert the dark slide and pull the adapter out. In the darkroom open the film pack, remove the exposed film (without paper strips) for processing and leave the remaining sheets in the film pack.

The last major improvement for the 4×5 camera was the electronic flash. However the “strobe” as it was called then, was huge in size and weight. The flash tube head was larger than the flashbulb reflectors it replaced. Because the flash tube needed high voltage, there was a separate heavy battery pack with a shoulder strap that never stayed on your shoulder. On occasion in the rain you received a mild shock when plugging the power supply into a wet flash head.

Lenses – although the camera could use wide angle and long lenses, they were not easily changed. Some required camera modifications, so the normal 5″ lens was used almost all of time. Meaning if you needed close ups – you got close. Wide angles – you backed up. It gave a lot of meaning to the profession! Think you could have “cut the mustard” then?

P.S. My personal cameras back then were a used Rollieflex, and an ancient Leica IIIa. There was no such thing as a fine grain image from my cameras in the 1950’s.

Bernie Yee

Editors Note: Yee enlisted in the early 1950’s and retired 26 years later. He was an art major who switched to photography. Retired in 1978 as MSgt Photojournalist on flight status. One of Hackman’s original cadre of PJ’s. Combat duty included Korea, 6 Day War Israel, Viet Nam. Camera’s most often used; 4×5 Speed Graphic, Rolleiflex, Kodak 35 Rangefinder, Nikon F (s).

Joined AAVS in Viet Nam, and remained a part of it until his retirement at the Pentagon while assigned to the 1361st Photo Squadron.

Afterwards he went to work for USDA Forest Service as their photo chief and gave them 20 years.

We want experience with reality TV shows or combat camera types. The client is pro-military so combat camera is our target. Editors will be using Final Cut and Avid software. Cameraman will be using Sony 300 series or equivalent. Please send resumes ASAP to jamiew@gemcorp.us

The men and women of AAVS & Combat Camera, many times serving in harms way, provided an audio & visual record of Air Force history since its designation as a separate service to the present time. At the Air Force Museum, Air Force units that want to highlight their contribution to the mission and history of the Air Force have purchased and placed a memorial bench in the museum’s courtyard. These benches provide a visual reminder of their mission and history for the thousands of visitors who annually visit the museum. Although there are photographs, videos, and motion pictures produced by our members, on display within the museum, there is no specific recognition of our unit or the women and men who have and are still today capturing the events document and comprise the visual history of the Air Force. We need your to help correct this! – Ken Hackman

Our bench would be similar to this, but with our info on it.

Our GoalThe world-class US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson AFB celebrates the history of our Air Force with displays of aircraft, missiles, technology and the achievements of the women and men who served. Recently a group of AAVS, 600th Photo Sq., 601st Photo Flt and Combat Camera veterans met for our 10th annual rendezvous/reunion at the Hope Hotel located on Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.

One of the highlights of our meeting was a visit to the museum. Our visit highlighted the fact that although today, Air Force Combat Camera personnel continue to document vital imagery for operational analysis, training, public information and historical documentation during contingency operations, joint exercises, humanitarian relief efforts and disasters around the world, these efforts are not recognized or acknowledged at the museum. We want to correct this omission by endowing a bench that will recognize our command and the squadrons who have and continue to provide a visual history of our Air Force. PLEASE give at your comfort level very soon to meet our years end goal. We are also offering tier level rewards as outlined below to be posted on the website. Please make your donation check payable to treasurer: Mario Candia and send to 2924 Northcreek Drive, Woodbridge, IL 60517-4515 or pay electronically. Thank you in advance for your participation. For more info call Zimm at 702-759-9724 or email barb@mycactusproperties.com.

Petty Officer 3rd class Paolo Bayas was in awe as he photographed an old woman carrying her crying grandson around the rubble of her new makeshift shanty home. Her face was wrinkled with smiles. She had been cooking a large meal for fellow eastern Samareños affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Haiyan, traveling at 195 mph with gusts of 235 mph, tore through the Republic of the Philippines on November 8, killing an estimated 5000 and affecting over 13 million people.

Bayas, serving as a Mass Communication Specialist for the USS George Washington naval ship, arrived at Guiuan, Samar on Nov. 14. His mission is to document the US humanitarian relief efforts of Operation DAMAYAN through his photojournalism.

According to Lt. Derrick Ingle, assistant public affairs officer, the George Washington Carrier Strike Group was stationed in Hong Kong when it received an order from the U.S. Secretary of Defense to provide relief to those impacted by Hayian. Within 40 hours, the George Washington was docked in Philippine waters where personnel were transferred via helicopter to DAMAYAN’s operation in Guiuan. - Click Here to Read the full post on the Long Beach Post Website -

The men and women of AAVS & Combat Camera, many times serving in harms way, provided an audio & visual record of Air Force history since its designation as a separate service to the present time. At the Air Force Museum, Air Force units that want to highlight their contribution to the mission and history of the Air Force have purchased and placed a memorial bench in the museum’s courtyard. These benches provide a visual reminder of their mission and history for the thousands of visitors who annually visit the museum. Although there are photographs, videos, and motion pictures produced by our members, on display within the museum, there is no specific recognition of our unit or the women and men who have and are still today capturing the events document and comprise the visual history of the Air Force. We need your to help correct this! – Ken Hackman

Our GoalThe world-class US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson AFB celebrates the history of our Air Force with displays of aircraft, missiles, technology and the achievements of the women and men who served. Recently a group of AAVS, 600th Photo Sq., 601st Photo Flt and Combat Camera veterans met for our 10th annual rendezvous/reunion at the Hope Hotel located on Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.

One of the highlights of our meeting was a visit to the museum. Our visit highlighted the fact that although today, Air Force Combat Camera personnel continue to document vital imagery for operational analysis, training, public information and historical documentation during contingency operations, joint exercises, humanitarian relief efforts and disasters around the world, these efforts are not recognized or acknowledged at the museum. We want to correct this omission by endowing a bench that will recognize our command and the squadrons who have and continue to provide a visual history of our Air Force. PLEASE give at your comfort level very soon to meet our years end goal. We are also offering tier level rewards as outlined below to be posted on the website. Please make your donation check payable to treasurer: Mario Candia and send to 2924 Northcreek Drive, Woodbridge, IL 60517-4515 or pay electronically. Thank you in advance for your participation. For more info call Zimm at 702-759-9724 or email barb@mycactusproperties.com.

An AAVS/Combat Camera Memorial Bench

Past, Present and Future

The men and women of AAVS & Combat Camera, many times serving in harms way, provided an audio & visual record of Air Force history since its designation as a separate service to the present time. At the Air Force Museum, Air Force units that want to highlight their contribution to the mission and history of the Air Force have purchased and placed a memorial bench in the museum’s courtyard. These benches provide a visual reminder of their mission and history for the thousands of visitors who annually visit the museum. Although there are photographs, videos, and motion pictures produced by our members, on display within the museum, there is no specific recognition of our unit or the women and men who have and are still today capturing the events document and comprise the visual history of the Air Force. We need your to help correct this! – Ken Hackman

Our bench would be similar to the one at left, but with our info on it.

Our GoalThe world-class US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson AFB celebrates the history of our Air Force with displays of aircraft, missiles, technology and the achievements of the women and men who served. Recently a group of AAVS, 600th Photo Sq., 601st Photo Flt and Combat Camera veterans met for our 10th annual rendezvous/reunion at the Hope Hotel located on Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.

One of the highlights of our meeting was a visit to the museum. Our visit highlighted the fact that although today, Air Force Combat Camera personnel continue to document vital imagery for operational analysis, training, public information and historical documentation during contingency operations, joint exercises, humanitarian relief efforts and disasters around the world, these efforts are not recognized or acknowledged at the museum. We want to correct this omission by endowing a bench that will recognize our command and the squadrons who have and continue to provide a visual history of our Air Force. PLEASE give at your comfort level very soon to meet our years end goal. We are also offering tier level rewards as outlined below to be posted on the website. Please make your donation check payable to treasurer: Mario Candia and send to 2924 Northcreek Drive, Woodbridge, IL 60517-4515 or pay electronically. Thank you in advance for your participation. For more info call Zimm at 702-759-9724 or email barb@mycactusproperties.com.

You may also donate electronically via the button below.

Please Donate!more than $250 Above and Beyond,

$250 Diamond, $175 Platinum, $100 Gold, up to $99 Silver

All donors will be listed here on the Combat Camera Website.

Register on our website to keep up with our upcoming Rendezvous/Reunions and other related stories from our community. Our next Rendezvous/Reunion is 18-21 September 2014 in Ontario, Ca.

The Patterson Foundation in Sarasota is funding the $10M project to build Patriot Plaza, which will be donated to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration. Patriot Plaza will be dedicated in spring 2014 and will be a gathering point for patriotic events in Sarasota.

Of the thousands of pictures submitted, 266 were DoD photos gathered by Steve McGill, Multimedia Manager at DIMOC, which is a field activity of the Defense Media Activity (DMA)

“I selected shots from the Defense Visual Information Records Center’s archives,” said Mr. McGill. “We’re thrilled to get the news that five of our photos made the final cut.”

The five DoD images were taken by military photographers on active duty, some of whom are now retired.

The DoD photos will be among 49 included in the “Witness To Mission” exhibit that will be displayed on standing marble tablets at Patriot Plaza. “Witness To Mission” will be one of two exhibit themes and will depict the mission of the U.S. Military since the Civil War shown through the experiences of the men and women who made the history. The other theme will be “Service, Support, Sacrifice” and will capture personal stories of those who experienced military life.

McGill sent the DoD images he chose to Ken Irby, Senior Faculty member with the Poynter Institute, a non-profit school of journalism in Sarasota. The Institute made the final selection following strict criteria for photographic displays at National Cemeteries. Their choices were approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

U.S. Army soldiers sing hymns together during their down time in the field at Fort Jackson, S.C., on Aug. 9, 2006. (USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall)

Sailors acting as flag bearers bow their heads during a prayer at a burial at sea ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while under way in the Pacific Ocean on Aug. 19, 2007. The Lincoln conducted the solemn and sacred tradition of burial at sea for 11 former service members during its transit to its homeport of Everett, Wash. (DoD photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class James R. Evans, U.S. Navy)

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Chang Ahn, leader of 2nd Platoon, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, and Maj. David McCulley, battalion operations officer with the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, update perimeter maps to increase base security at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, on Sept. 11, 2008. The operation is a joint patrol designed to introduce Security Forces airmen to the base’s outer perimeter prior to the airmen taking responsibility of the area from the Army unit. (DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon, U.S. Air Force)

US Army Sergeant Kornelia Rachwal gives a young Pakistani girl a drink of water as they are airlifted from Muzaffarabad to Islamabad, Pakistan, aboard a USA CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The Department of Defense Pakistan Earthquake Relief is part of a multinational effort to provide humanitarian assistance and support to Pakistan and parts of India and Afghanistan following a devastating earthquake. (USAF Photo by TSgt. Mike Buytas)

U.S. Army Private First Class White waves an American flag while the confetti and ticker tape paper fall on the Welcome Home parade honoring the coalition forces of Desert Storm in New York, City N.Y., June 10, 1991. (USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. CharlesReger)

This is a documentary about Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane, a United States Air Force photojournalist, who has deployed to Afghanistan twice. He shares his experiences as a photojournalist in a combat environment as well as the mental and physical toll it takes on him.

MPJ Profiles

Thanks to Keith Stevenson for helping us kick off the MPJ Profile section. It's been awhile since we have done one and we'd like to do more, but we need folks that are interested in being profiled.
If you're interested then drop an email to: webmaster@mpjconnection.com
The questions are always the same, just provide your own answers and a selection of photos. Size your pictures to 1024px wide on the longest side at 100ppi.
Remember, make sure you're photos are released before you send them to us if they're military images.

Missing in Action

We're on the search to find Ed Condon! He was a motion picture photographer stationed at Det 3, 1361st AVS, Rhein Main AB, Germany in 1978. If you know of his where abouts these days please drop me an email at: webmaster@mpjconnection.com

2012 USAF Combat Camera Reunion

The reunion 2012 will be held September 27 – 29 in Charleston, SC. We have spoken with Jim Lotz, the Director of Operations at the 1st Combat Camera Squadron (CTCS) at Charleston AFB, SC. He told us that the Squadron will be delighted to welcome our reunion members and give them a tour of the unit. He also said he will assist us with the reunion preparations. In addition CMSgt Marvin Krause, an old friend, is retired from the 1st CTCS last year and has offered to be our “boots on the ground” for the reunion.
We hope to see you all there. Full details can be found at: http://www.usafcombatcamera.org/

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